Sing Joyful Hymns and Songs of Praise
Anthem  for Choir and Organ
(10 pages)
Original Text and Music by
Ennis  Fruhauf

Notes

        "Sing joyful hymns and songs of praise"  is a three-verse hymn anthem for voices and organ, based on an original text and tune. The text is trinitarian in nature: its first verse refers to the creation of the world and the gift of a savior; the second verse celebrates the life of Jesus and his sacrifice for humankind; and the third verse portrays the wonder and glory of the Holy Spirit as an invisible but guiding force and an integral component of a triune divinity.
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        As a musical setting. the anthem begins with an organ introduction, then presents the hymn in unison voices with organ accompaniment. The second verse is a gentle three-voice motet (with keyboard ad lib.), followed by an extended transition that builds dynamically to the third verse, “Shout psalms of thankfulness”, sung by unison voices and soprano descant, and accompanied by a free harmonization. A brief codetta echoes elements of the transition that leads from the second verse into the third one.
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      Sing Joyful Hymns is not without its unique performance challenges, including an optional a capella setting of the second verse for three voices. The organ accompaniment will contribute a telling dramatic presence – both harmonically and contrapuntally – in the final verse.

      N.B. This publication was scheduled for 2020 publication in a gentler world climate and time. Alas in a world turned upside down almost overnight, it can only be hoped that the text and tune might yet bring comfort to brave souls who take time to find meaning in the words, and healing in the music of this dramatic setting.   E.F.

Sing Joyful Hymns
 for Choir & Organ
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to download a printable PDF file.
Publication date: May 2020